🔮 China’s on a different AI path

China is deploying fast, frugal, open-weighted models and wiring them into the economy.

Hi Azeem here,

The US-China AI rivalry has become the defining geopolitical lens through which many view the future of technology. And for good reason: it’s shaping export controls, industrial policy, and innovation trajectories on both sides. However, when a single narrative becomes dominant, it can overshadow more nuanced analysis.

That’s why I’m thrilled to hand the mic to

Grace Shao

, one of the sharpest analysts tracking China’s evolving tech landscape. Grace brings a unique perspective to the table that moves beyond great-power competition to explore the structural, commercial, and cultural dynamics shaping China’s AI ecosystem. She’s covered Asian tech for global outlets including Fortune, CNBC and the Economist Intelligence Unit. Grace has also advised top Chinese firms like Alibaba, Tencent and Lenovo – and now writes independently at

AI Proem

.

Over to Grace!